Free higher education law implemented in SUCs

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The free higher education law has been implemented smoothly, a lawmaker said during its assessment across the country.

Davao 1st District Rep. Karlo Alexi Nograles, committee chairman for appropriation, said the youth who are beneficiaries of the free higher education law, expressed their gratitude over the free access to state universities and colleges (SUCs).

In his visit and assessment in different state colleges and universities last Monday, he said they were looking at the process of enrollment where the SUCs will submit certain requirements to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Once the CHED is satisfied with the requirements submitted by the SUCs the funds will be downloaded to the state-run tertiary schools.

The payment of tuition and miscellaneous fees of the students will be done through the CHED office where the P40-billion fund was allotted by Congress. 

During the assessment and discussion with presidents and school executives, Nograles said no concern was raised except the observation of the increase in the number of enrollees in the SUCs.

He said the concern that he was anticipating is if state universities could accommodate the influx of new batches of students.

Nograles said they were looking at the needed increase of funds in its 2019 budget for additional facilities of the state universities with the influx of new students.

Another concern raised by the SUCs is the entrance examination as not all of the students pass the qualifying test.

Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat, vice chair of the committee on appropriation and member on the committee on higher education, stressed that what they want to ensure is the universal access to quality tertiary education and not just tertiary education.

“It is now our call to challenge the youth to make good in their studies. They have to remember we are doing this to secure their future,” Nograles said.